While attending the University of Southern California, the marriage of Madeleine Winges and Drake Rehfeld was essentially predicted by their professor. “On the first day of class, he started by saying that ‘for some reason, people in my class end up getting married,’” remembers Madeleine. “Drake and I both laughed it off at the time, but a few weeks later, we were put into a group for an assignment, and the rest is history,” It wasn’t long before Drake proposed to Madeleine in Lake Como after weeks of exploring Italy together. 

Upon their return to the states, the betrothed began planning their dream wedding in Los Angeles, hiring Rikki and Mal to ease the process. “Rikki and Mallory Ladenheim were our wedding planners, and we truly could not have done it without them!” exclaims the bride. Desiring a venue that would allow for an outdoor wedding surrounded by Tuscan-inspired gardens, Madeleine and Drake fell in love with a renowned hotel that felt beautifully tucked away from the bustling city just steps away. 

The couple was a vision of elegance for the fall nuptials. Madeleine donned a stunning long-sleeve lace gown with an elegant keyhole back, while her groom wore an ivory jacket to match. “I was actually left speechless when we did our first look,” shares Drake of his most memorable moment of the day. “I was mic’d up by our video crew, and they were prompting me with questions, but I couldn’t find a way to get any words out when seeing Madeleine for the first time… I’ll remember it forever.” 

Winding around the picturesque setting were white chairs arranged on either side of the petal-strewn aisle. As sounds of a string trio filled the air, guests found their seats facing the gorgeous ceremony arch comprised of fresh greenery and vanilla-toned blossoms. “It all really tied together well with my dress, Drake’s dinner jacket, and the bridesmaids’ dresses being ivory as well – especially against the natural gardens,” confirms the bride. 

“I have always been inspired by traditional weddings with subtle modern touches.”

Following the vow exchange, loved ones enjoyed an alfresco cocktail hour complete with tasty tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, as well as the pair’s signature cocktails. To incorporate the couple’s dogs, the negroni and spicy margarita were named after the pups and their illustrations even adorned the cocktail menu and drink stirrers for a fun, modern addition. 

Friends and family found their seats at round and rectangular tables covered with neutral linens for the romantic dinner under the stars. Centerpieces showcased a variety of florals in shades of white, nude, and faded blush, including English garden roses, Dutch tulips, miniature calla lilies, and buttercup ranuncluses, which were accented with delicate textural greenery. Once the sun set, taper candles atop vintage-inspired candelabra and candleholders helped to provide a warm ambience. 

Before moving indoors for dancing until midnight, attendees enjoyed slices of the pair’s wedding cake designed by the bride herself. “I have always been inspired by traditional weddings with subtle modern touches,” she notes. Thus, the four-tiered ivory confection, which offered a choice of gluten-free vanilla cake with whipped cream and berries or a Funfetti flavor, featured lace details inspired by her bridal gown, the couple’s monogram, and fresh florals. 

Both Madeleine and Drake agree their wedding went exactly how they envisioned. The bride offers the following advice to others planning their wedding: “Set aside some time after the ceremony and before the reception for some quiet time as newlyweds,” she urges. “Drake and I went back to our room, where we had sushi and champagne waiting for us. It was a great way to have a calm moment before greeting everyone.”

This real wedding was originally published in the Winter 2024 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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